Are the old models of fancy, grand or impressive “brick & mortar” real estate companies a thing of the past? Will we see more and more unaffected and/or simplified offices or “virtual” offices as our real estate profession morphs into this new age of “cost-effective” business? The “Old Brokerage” model was forced to focus on recruiting to pay for the lavish accoutrements. It became a numbers game right? “The brokerage with the most agents wins”. The traditional brokerage models focus on recruiting as many people as they can into their brokerage. As they do this, they tend not to focus on the actual agent they are hiring but only on acquiring another body. When I began my career in the mid-80′s, there weren’t many agents and the offices were small. Then, I felt training was a priority and you had an opportunity for lots of personal attention from your Broker. We had weekly classes and the training Broker was always available to “brainstorm” problems and give advice. These days, both subconsciously and consciously, people know they don’t have to work hard to be part of brokerage. Every traditional brokerage in town allows any agent to hang their license with them if they have a pulse and a real estate license. I believe part of the new model of the new agent in our new world will be an emphasis on training, on reliable mentors and on experience. The advent of so much online information makes the role of the agent more as a “trusted advisor” rather than a dispenser of facts and figures. We should relish the onslaught of that kind information and the possibilities that our new role will be more engaged, more educated and more flexible.

The changes are already happening. The consumer is demanding more financial intuitiveness, more real estate opinion based on field experience and more disclosure. First, the brokerage will only focus on quality of agents. Second, the structure of how an agent works will change. Third, the service given to the consumer will be instant results, knowledge, and services. The consumer will also see the value of this “New Brokerage” because there won’t be inexperienced agents charging the same commission as the experienced agents. Would love to hear other thoughts on this

I have a theory of business that “like attracts like”.  It’s no different when choosing a Realtor to help in the sale of your home whether or the purchase of a new home whether in Portland, Oregon or Timbuktu. I know the most successful business relationships come from referrals from my existing client base. But, every business relationship has to start somewhere. So, a second good way to establish a business connection is through “web relationships”.  Blogging & social media has replaced the conventional web site basically because it allows the buying public to feel a connection with the blogger or participant. An online relationship can evolve through an understanding of the personalities and core values.  A business mission should convey those core values. And, not just generic values like honesty, integrity….those should be assumed for any business relationship.  Convey your core values through your example!  I’m frugal, conscientious with my money, I always run the numbers. I own investment property and absolutely believe that over the long haul real estate is still definitely one of the most attractive investments.  Why is that?  A house is home & hearth for your primary residence, you can establish a budget based on an established mortgage amount (as opposed to rent which tends to increase) and it feels good.  An investment property is something you can drive by to look and touch, it’s a great write-off and someone else pays (at least most) of your costs.  There will be no pressure because you must determine how this investment will work for you (with any help I can give).

Anyway, I digress from how to choose an agent.  Choose based on your core values and needs. This is a business relationship with a lot of personal connection.  You will find that you will be speaking with your agent a lot more than you want to talk with anyone besides friends and family!  Make sure your core values are “heard and understood”.